Department of Labor enacts new policies in favor of transgender people

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is applauding the announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor that it will "explicitly prohibit work place discrimination on the basis of gender identity within the department."

The changes in employment policy also included additional updated policies which now prohibit discrimination based on sex, including gender identity and pregnancy.

The TLC praised Secretary Hilda Solis, who signed the policies, for taking such an important step to "level the playing field" for current and future transgender employees for the Department of Labor.

"We applaud Secretary Solis for acting with fairness and equity for its employees," said Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center. "We look forward to continuing to work with the administration to respond to the employment-related needs of all Americans - including transgender Americans - and ensure equal access to federal employment programs for everyone."

Secretary Solis understood the impact of the new policies she signed into practice.

"I am expressing my personal commitment to ensure that the U.S. Department of Labor is a model workplace, free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, which fosters a work environment that fully utilizes the capabilities of every employee," said Secretary Solis. "It is my goal that we achieve and maintain a high-quality, diverse workforce at all organizational levels throughout the department."

The TLC sees this as a big step towards eliminating unemployment for transgender people and others who do not always fit narrow gender stereotypes.

View the Department of Labor's new policies on equal employment opportunity and harassing conduct in the workplace HERE and HERE.

About the Transgender Law Center

The Transgender Law Center is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. The Transgender Law Center uses direct legal services, education, community organizing, and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families.
For more information, visit their website.